The National Museum, New Delhi celebrated the rich heritage of North East India, under the Ministry of DoNER& NEC’s initiative titled “Destination North East India” as part of the celebrations of AzadiKaAmritMahotsav to commemorate 75 years of progressive India and the glory of its people’s culture and achievements. The celebration at National Museum was inaugurated on 1st November, 2021 and concluded on 7th November 2021 evening.
Cultural performances (Folk Dance and Music ) relating to different states of North-East India like Assam, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland and Sikkim were performed from 1st Day to 3rd Day (1st Nov to 3rd November, 2021) of the celebration at National Museum. Due to festivals, online activities were carried out on 4th and 5th November, 2021 as part of the celebration by National Museum. Cultural performances of North-East India was again resumed on 6th November, 2021 and continued till valedictory function on 7th November, 2021 evening.
The online programme of day-7 include “History and evolution of Assam type Architecture by Shri Avinibesh Sharma live streamed.
On the last day of weeklong the celebration, the morning session was dedicated by the Folk fusion dance of different communities of Assam by Agragami dance and cine team. In this performance, there was fusion of Bihu dance of different communities of Assam like Bodo, Rava, Deori, Hajang, Lalong, Missing tribes etc. giving the message of unity in diversity. In the evening Valedictory session, Manipur Kamba Thiobi dance was presented by Panthoibi Jagoi Marup, followed by Lion dance of Sikkim by artists of Agragami dance and cineteam. Then, Folk fusion dance of different communities of Assam by artists of Agragami dance and cine team. The last cultural performance of the programme was Basanta Raasa of Manipur by by Panthoibi Jagoi Marup. Basanta Raasa is form of Manipuri dance related to the Krishna, Radha and Gopis. The thrilling and colourful performances were enjoyed and appreciated by the audiences.
In the valedictory function, Shri Subrata Nath, Addl DG, National Museum said that for 7 days it felt as if we have been transported to the North-East for 7 days. In 2007, ICOMOS changed the definition to show the culture thtough objects , tangible and intangible. Our North-East gallery objects could be more meaningful by connecting with the cultures associated with the objects. He requested to share and like the social media posts of National Museum related to the weeklong celebration so that the message can reach to maximum people. Then mementos were presented to the Artists by Shri Partha Sarthi Sen Sharma, Director General, National Museum, and Shri Subrata Nath, Additional Director General, National Museum.
Shri Partha Sarthi Sen Sharma, Director General, National Museum, in his address complimented and thanked the performing artists showcasing the Cultures of North-East in such short notice. He said there are diverse cultures in North-East and example of Unity in Diversity. Mr Sen Sharma thanked every one of National Museum involved in making the programme successful including the Pres and media. He also suggested that the different cultural activities should be organized in the newly renovated Auditorium of the Museum to attract visitors. Dr. KKS Deori offered vote of Thanks. Ms Nazia Kamal hosted the programme.
The cultural performances were live streamed through Social Media handles of the National Museum (https://twitter.com/NMnewdelhi;https://www.facebook.com/Nationalmuseumnewdelhi;https://www.instagram.com/nmnewdelhi/;https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNkKt0hp9OL1G0o1XMX1ncw